Marvel Dates Two Untitled Films for 2016 and 2017

Even with Warner Brothers/DC’s ‘Man of Steel‘ set to open this weekend, and even with the billion dollar grosses of the last two Batman films, there’s no question that Marvel is the studio for superhero movies. To extend their legacy, they’ve set release dates for two currently untitled projects set to start the summer seasons in 2016 and 2017.

As these pictures are untitled, there are a couple of options what these films will be. Recently we wrote about the new titles in active development, which include ‘Ms. Marvel,’ a ‘Blade’ reboot, ‘Doctor Strange,’ ‘Iron Fist,’ Black Panther’ and ‘The Runaways’ -- all of which are just as likely to be released on the newly-scheduled 5/6/16 and 5/5/17 release dates. But with the releases years away, it’s also possible that one or both of these pictures could be an ‘Iron Man,’ ‘Captain America,’ 'Thor' or ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ sequel... or even a reboot. And with 'Iron Man' films having been released in 2008, 2010, and 2013, we wouldn't be surprised if 2016 brings us 'Iron Man 4.'

The reason why Marvel is doing this is because they’ve had great luck with pictures released the first week of May. ‘Spider-Man,’ ‘Spider-Man 3,’ all three ‘Iron Man’ movies, 'Thor' and ‘The Avengers‘ were all released on the first Friday in May, and the lowest opening of the bunch was ‘Thor’ (which made $65 million). 2014 has ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2‘ set for the first week of May, while 2015 will launch 'The Avengers 2' on May 1, 2015. Basically, Marvel is calling the date — regardless of the film — because it’s been very good for them.